Special Tools

Caution: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.




1. Install the J 42640 Pin into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.



4. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nuts (2).



5. Use the J 24319-B Puller in order to remove the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.



6. Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
8. Remove the steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement.



9. Remove the rear transmission mount nuts (1).
10. Disconnect the variable effort steering electrical connector, if equipped.
11. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.



12. Remove the power steering pressure hose (2) and the power steering return hose (1) from the power steering gear.



13. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts.
14. Install a jack under the rear portion of the frame.
15. Remove the rear mounting bolts from the frame.

Warning: The frame must be properly supported before partially lowering. The frame should not be lowered any further than needed to gain access to the steering gear.

16. Lower the rear portion of the frame.
17. Remove the rack and pinion steering gear from the drivers side of the vehicle.
18. Transfer the necessary components.

1. Position the rack and pinion in the vehicle.
2. Raise the rear portion of the frame.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

3. Install the frame mounting bolts and tighten to 192 N·m (142 lb ft).



4. Install the transmission mount nuts (1) and tighten to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).



5. Install the rack and pinion mounting bolts and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
6. Tighten the rack and pinion mounting bolts an additional 180 degrees.



7. Install the power steering pressure hose (2) and the power steering return hose (1) to the power steering gear and tighten to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
8. Remove the drain pan from under the vehicle.
9. Connect the variable effort steering electrical connector.
10. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement.



11. Install the outer tie rods (1) to the steering knuckles.
12. Install the outer tie rod retaining nuts (2) and tighten to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
13. Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nuts an additional 180 degrees.



14. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
15. Install the intermediate shaft pinch bolt and tighten to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).
16. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
17. Lower the vehicle.



18. Remove the J 42640 Pin from the steering column access hole.
19. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding.
20. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment.